The mysterious magnetism inside Ganymede. Scientists have proposed an explanation for this phenomenon

Research conducted on this topic likely explains the source of Ganymede's strong magnetism. However, before we move to conclusions, it would be useful to write something about this object. It orbits the most massive planet in the solar system, so it is subject to constant gravitational influences. As a result, its interior is constantly compressed and stretched.

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In the case of another moon called Europa, the same effect likely determines the presence of an ocean of liquid water under a thick layer of ice there. However, Jupiter is located farther from the Sun, is the fifth planet in the order, and orbits our star farther from Mars. Despite this vast distance, gravitational forces mean Europa can hold liquid water.

This in turn shows that these reactions are accompanied by huge amounts of energy, which may also be present in the case of Ganymede. In such conditions, the core of this moon remains hot and produces a magnetic field. Unfortunately, the exact processes that occur there have remained a mystery that astronomers have tried to understand at all costs. In light of the latest findings, the researchers concluded that Ganymede's interior resembles a snowball of molten metal that was shaken and moved by Jupiter's gravity.

Ganymede is the largest natural moon of Jupiter and one of the four Galilean moons

More specifically, there is a cycle of iron rising and falling, which in turn produces a magnetic field. To uncover the secret of the processes involved, members of the research team had to find a way to look inside Ganymede in a virtual way. There is no such physical possibility, which is quite clear even in relation to our own planet.

To recreate the alleged conditions deep below the surface of Jupiter's moon, scientists used a reservoir of water cooled from below. There was a layer of salt water at the bottom to reflect the mantle and prevent ice crystals from sticking to the bottom. There was a layer of fresh water floating at the top, representing the liquid core. Ice crystals formed near the bottom of the tank where salt and fresh water mixed, then rose and melted in the warmer liquid. We can read about the background of the experiments conducted here Geophysical Research Letters.

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As it turned out, there was no constant flow of crystallization, flotation, and dissolution. Instead, sporadic bursts of rapid activity followed by periods of inactivity are observed. According to the authors, for crystallization to occur, it is necessary to reach a subcooling state. Later, the formation of an avalanche of crystals occurs, which stops at some point – until the temperature again drops enough to start another wave of crystallization. Naturally, the following waves are accompanied by changes in the strength of the magnetic field.